Theravada Buddhism

Continuity, Diversity, and Identity

Crosby, Kate

Blackwell Guides to Buddhism

1. Edition November 2013
312 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd

ISBN: 978-1-4051-8906-4

John Wiley & Sons

Wiley Online Library Sample Chapter

Short Description

This comprehensive introductory overview explores all aspects of the origins, evolution, and current practice of Theravada, the oldest surviving Buddhist school of thought. Theravada Buddhism offers an enriching and enlightening introduction to the history, teachings, and practice of Theravada for students of Buddhism.

Theravada is frequently misidentified with early Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism, and its contemporary studies are often limited to its practice in the countries of Sri Lanka and Thailand. To reveal the rich and varied traditions that encompass Theravada, this text features a wealth of material from countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and also addresses its global influence beyond the borders of Southeast Asia.

Further versions

Theravada Buddhism provides a comprehensive introductory overview of the history, teachings, and current practice of an often misunderstood form of one of the world's oldest religious traditions.
* Explores Theravada Buddhism's origins, evolution, teachings, and practices
* Considers the practice of Theravada beyond Sri Lanka and Thailand, by exploring a wealth of material from countries including Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Vietnam
* Reveals its rich and varied traditions, and corrects common misunderstandings about links to other practices, such as early Buddhism or Hinayana Buddhism
* Incorporates student-friendly features including a glossary and other study aids

Acknowledgments viii

Map xi

Introduction 1

Part One Buddha 13

1 The Buddha and Buddhahood 15

2 Buddha Worship 43

Part Two Dhamma 69

3 Literature, Languages, and Conveying the Dhamma 71

4 The Jâtaka 99

5 The Good Buddhist 112

6 Meditation 138

7 Abhidhamma 174

Part Three Sangha and Society 195

8 Monks, Monasteries, and their Position in Society 197

9 Women in Monasticism 218

10 Women in Theravada Literature and Society 238

11 Feminist Readings of Gender-Related Symbols 250

12 Nonharming, Politics, and Violence 262

Glossary 283

Index 290

"Each chapter ends with a wealth of reference and further suggestions for reading and watching. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and researchers/faculty." (Choice, 1 October 2014)

Kate Crosby is a Seiyu Kiriyama Reader in Buddhist Studies in the Department of the Study of Religions at SOAS, University of London, and is also a member of the Centre of South East Asian Studies and the Centre of Buddhist Studies. She is the author or editor of a number of books, including Santideva's Bodhicaryavatara: Buddhist Path To Awakening (with Andrew Skilton, 1998), and The Dead of Night & the Women (2009).

K. Crosby, SOAS, University of London, UK